5/7/2021 Head of School Message

Dear DKJA Community, 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and DKJA has launched a month-long initiative intended to focus on the importance of mental health, wellness, and the reduction of stigma surrounding mental health issues. At DKJA, we continue to prioritize the emotional well-being of all of our students with several programming facilitated by our outstanding faculty and professionally trained guidance department. 

Throughout the school year, our faculty and administration have taught and practiced the concept of mindfulness as part of our social-emotional learning. In addition, our guidance counselors have been engaging in conversations with students about the importance of self-care, peer support, and reaching out to trusted adults when needed.

Throughout the month of May, Sydney Siegel, Director of Student Services K-12, and the guidance department will be speaking with students about the significance of Mental Health Awareness, as well as best practices for maintaining a positive mindset. In addition, through our partnerships with JFS and the Bertuch Make a Difference Foundation, our 10th-grade students will have the opportunity to participate in a pilot program of a mental health first aid course created to teach them how to recognize when they need help for themselves or their friends. The skills that students will learn during this training will be invaluable as they continue throughout high school and beyond.

On Thursday, May 20, DKJA will celebrate Mental Health Day of Action through our partnership with JFS. This day was created to encourage conversations with those who have experienced mental health issues in order to destigmatize the topic.  The DKJA community will be asked to wear green on this day to show their support. 

Today, May 7, is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, which raises awareness about mental health issues in our children. It is our intention today, throughout the month of May, and into the future, to continue to provide open dialogue and offer resources for our students on the topic of mental health. I also encourage parents and caregivers to engage in conversations with their children about mental health. If you have any questions regarding how the topic of mental health awareness is handled at DKJA, please reach out to Sydney Siegel at SiegelS@dkja.net 

Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom and a wonderful Mother’s Day.